Pigeon Control Methods
Use live pigeon traps to get rid of pigeons. Live traps are a highly recommended control strategy. Bob traps are the trap of choice in most situations. Attracted by bait (wheat, cracked corn), the birds are lured through a one-way door. It's important to leave a few pigeons inside as decoys. This will encourage these social birds to jump inside. "Hey, look, Kevin's in there," says the pigeon. "It must be fun." Next, kill Kevin's friends. Don't take them somewhere to release; you'll ruin your car and, because of the pigeon's homing ability, they'll promptly return. Unless you see yourself snapping the necks of many birds a few times a week, I'd call a professional.
Exclude pigeons—build them out! Exclusion or "pigeon proofing" involves modifying your property to deny pigeons access. Pigeon spikes, bird netting, bird slopes, bird wires, electrified tracks, and wiring can be effective pigeon deterrents. Know that installation of any of these products will require some skill, and all are expensive. However, exclusion is one of the most effective strategies, and you'll save money over time not having to clean up the corrosive feces or disinfect their loathsome, disease ridden roosts. Skip to the bottom of the page for more information about this strategy.
For pigeon control in large areas, try Ovocontrol. If you're a city or parks manager, large property owner, etc., then you should at least do some research on this product. Ovocontrol iis a chemical-laced bait that renders pigeon eggs non-viable. You get the pigeons hooked on the free food (usually pretty easy), and they stop having babies. It's pigeon birth control. It usually takes six to eight months before results are obvious, but it's still going to be cheaper than setting up miles of spikes, netting, and other exclusionary devices.
Use pigeon repellents in roosting areas. Pigeon repellents make roosting areas inhospitable without harming the birds (sigh). These products, which come in gel or liquid form, are either soft, sticky, or hot (capsaicin from hot peppers). The birds land, become annoyed, say something snarky under their breath, and leave. The upside? These products are cheap and can be quickly applied by a novice for immediate control. The downside? They are temporary and can be quite messy. Bird-X, 4 The Birds, and Bird Off are all popular brands.
Avoid gimmicks, retain your dignity. Noisemakers, spooky owls, and lasers. You won't find these products endorsed by reputable pest control experts or publications. The results will be temporary at best, and once the pigeons have adjusted, you'll need to make a trip to the spooky owl recycling depot. Sure, if you own two warehouses and you place some scary owls and noise makers in one, they may fly to the other. If there are population pressures and real estate is particularly beneficial (food, water, roosting), they'll probably just ignore your little tricks.
If you have to ask if you can shoot them, don't. Yes, in rural areas where numbers are low and firearms are safe and legal, you can shoot pigeons with pellet guns, a .22 loaded with bird shot, or even a shotgun. Pigeons are not protected birds. However, this strategy won't work on its own if there is a larger bird population in the area. Your ability to kill pigeons won't outpace their ability to make pigeons. You'll need to pursue an integrated approach, like bullets combined with pigeon proofing.
If you're going to call a professional, do your homework. Pigeon control is a specialty within the field of pest control. It's not a just-spray-this-once operation, but a highly complex, often prolonged task. You want someone experienced in dealing with pigeons that is up-to-date with the latest tools and regulations. A friend of mine—another pest control hobbyist—has put together a helpful guide for those seeking pest control services.
Pigeon Proofing Options
Pigeon spikes. Pigeon spikes—attached with adhesives or clamps—are ideal for ledges, gutters, rafters, and beams. Done right, they will keep birds away. Done poorly, they will provide a protected nesting area for pigeons. They are long lasting, but require some maintenance as debris and twigs can provide birds with protection from the spikes. What larger property managers/owners need to think of is "If the birds leave this place, where will they end up?" Hopefully, not another area of your property.
Bird netting. Large, open spaces such as roofs, eaves, gardens, overhangs, lofts, trees, etc., can be blocked off with bird netting. You'll find that any company dealing with bird pest control will carry a netting product. For pigeons, you want a UV-resistant, high-density, polyurethane net with ¾-inch squares.
Ledge modification. Like spikes, ledge modification is great for . . . ledges, and without that government crackdown look. With the help of a contractor (or products like bird ledge eliminator or birdslopes), you give that once comfortable, flat roosting spot an uncomfortable 45–60 degree angle.
Electrified tracking. Nothing deters pigeons like a generous yet non-lethal dose of electricity. These products, like bird spikes, are great for ledges, gutters, beams, and any surface the birds are using to roost. Bird-B-Gone's Bird Jolt Flat Track is a leading product, and is probably the most resistant to water damage (when installed correctly).
